New A330's

[DSFlyer]

Hoping from the seat map attached, I have scored one of the new A330's for my flight from Perth to Melbourne on the 17th May

 

[Baguss]

I wonder if for simplicity (and for possible changes) they will stop selling the middle J seat. Therefore, the map is irrelevant.
Sorry aka rain = parade

 

[DSFlyer]

I thought that too, but its the first time I have seen that layout in the seat selection and have travelled back and forth quite a number of times. Can only hope!!

 

[jazza1971]

If you do, I hope we get a trip report and a bunch of photos from the new aircraft!

 

[DSFlyer]

If you do, I hope we get a trip report and a bunch of photos from the new aircraft!

To the best of my limited ability with an iphone!

 

[AdMEL]

My understanding was that initially they were only using the new A330 for MEL-PER-MEL, so if you're on an A330, it will be a new one.

 

[pat25d]

My understanding was that initially they were only using the new A330 for MEL-PER-MEL, so if you're on an A330, it will be a new one.

There was an article floating around that it would be shared between the SYD-PER and MEL-PER flights so you aren't guaranteed even if departing from MEL.

 

[greglow]

Was in Business Class on the DJ A330 recently. Wish I could say I was impressed but wasn't. There's enough room in the Bus area to hold a dance but the seats are narrower than in a 737-800. Main reason is that they've stuck a stupid audio/video control sideways protruding into the seat area. Had a similar one in premium on a BA 747 but hoped to never see it here. That's just a seriously dumb place to put the control.

 

[jetlagger]

There's enough room in the Bus area to hold a dance

WOW! That sounds quite a nice touch.. Then could start a new trend or reality sit com inflight - Would it cost extra to be in the front stalls ??

 

[WPHT]

FWIW a flight was booked for me today for PER-MEL-PER 22nd May returning 27th May and VA said that both legs are on a/the new A330.

Looking forward to seeing what their new J seats are like...

 

[DSFlyer]

Hoping from the seat map attached, I have scored one of the new A330's for my flight from Perth to Melbourne on the 17th MayView attachment 7286

Just checked my seat allocation and its changed to 1C and the new aircraft has been replaced by one of the old A330's. Seat map now shows the old configuration. Oh well, maybe next month.

 

[Comoman]

Same here for Per-Syd tomorrow. However my Syd-Per is still showing new A330.

Fingers crossed....

 

[pmdg7444]

I'm planning a few J SYDMELSYD trips and would hopefully get on the new 330. By any chance, would anyone know the full schedule rotation of the new buses in particular SYD-MEL?

 

[AaronBradford]

I'm planning a few J SYDMELSYD trips and would hopefully get on the new 330. By any chance, would anyone know the full schedule rotation of the new buses in particular SYD-MEL?

Check out the timetables

 

[pmdg7444]

thanks but I like to find out if I there is a way to check if you are going to be on the new factory delivered A330, no ex EK types, prior to paying the cash and transaction.

 

[pat25d]

thanks but I like to find out if I there is a way to check if you are going to be on the new factory delivered A330, no ex EK types, prior to paying the cash and transaction.

I doubt it.

Don't know of any airline in the world who will tell you the aircraft registration as any last minute subs would result in too many DYKWIAs.

 

[WPHT]

My guess is the swap may have been as a result of the damaged new A330 that was being towed and clipped wings with a stationary JQ aircraft (see thread in travel news - can't post link as not enough posts...)

 

[Noob]

I doubt it.

Don't know of any airline in the world who will tell you the aircraft registration as any last minute subs would result in too many DYKWIAs.

Guest Services at both Qantas and Jetstar do an amazing job when you consider the amount of DYKWIAs they would have to deal with every...single...day....

Tough gig.

 

[Noob]

Right now VH-XFD - one of the brand new A330-200s - is flying between MEL & PER as DJ691

Congratulations Virgin Australia!

 

[SYD]

Just did SYD-PER on Monday DJ 565 on old A330 and back Tues on DJ 564 on new A330. Apparently it's second paying flight. I used complementary upgrades for both flights

It was the first time I had scored any DJ A330, as I usually end up on 737. I was reasonably impressed with service and catering on the way over to PER. But the flight back was a step up.


The new Perth lounge extensions were open (probably more than x4 larger), although the liquor license hasn't come through. So there was this invisible line which you couldn't take booze past.... Hopefully not a permanent feature.


On board, the vintage French Champagne was flowing (or water/OJ). As reported, the new seats are basically the same as SQ 777 regional seat. More than adequate for SYD-PER and similar international destinations ranges. Contrary to some concerns, the leather seat is not a slippery dip when wearing suite pants. The centre bulk head seats 1D/1G have loads of legroom and no basinet stowage. The IFE screen is at a good height, if not slightly far away. Seats 1A/1C and 1H/K are basinets seats. Plus the IFE screens are mounted lower due to the curve of the plane. I can't comment on if that is good/bad. The other centre (all aisle) seats are the best option for solo travellers - unless you really want a window seat. Plenty of o/head stowage. Not huge bins, but easily fit most reasonable size trolley bags.

The IFE had a big screen and reasonable choice of live and on demand movies and tv. The IFE engineer was onboard testing the system - which still has a few bugs... Beware the disconcerting period of silence before your on demand movie starts....


There is in seat power socket and two USB ports, plus what looked like an AV L/R/V connections - should you happen to have an AV cable on you. There was also some DIN looking connection in the centre console. Below that is stowage for water bottles and amenities kit (yes, that was a surprise - socks, eye mask, ear plugs, toothbrush/paste, hand cream).


In flight service included a pre meal drink (more French pop or Bombay Sapphire in my case, plus other choices) and hot nuts, an overly wet hot towel and three course dinner (on both flights) plus ok selection of wine, desert wine, port/muscat. Starters included soups or salmon, main courses included lamb cutlets, fish, duck. The menu on PER-SYD bore no resemblance on what the caterers had delivered - which keep the crew on their toes - but none the less pretty good. Far superior to the shorter SYD-MEL/BNE offerings (and even trans Tasman). Choice of cheese plate or desert. The crew were quite attentive and very proud of their new baby.


Overall, a very pleasant trip and a far cry from my early bum numbing trips in DJ whY to/from Perth. I guess I need to maintain Plat to keep up those x4 comp upgrades!